LEGO 76161 - 1989 Batman Batwing - Ultimate Collector Series

Product Information

The Keaton Batman minifig looks nice on the little display stand, but the flowing rubber cape isn't really compatible with a seated position in a vehicle. With this bag we build out the front end of the fuselage: the distinctive ‘bat ear’ shape is not quite perfect here, but is pretty close. I tried to explain it, fail miserably, so if you think your assumptions are correct without even having had this thing in your hands, then so be it. Also, if the Batmobile could get a custom cockpit windscreen (even printed) why couldn't the Batwing as well? I noticed this after reading a review mention that the canopy isn't actually attached to the rest of the model.

This set comes with three minifigures, and they are displayed seperate to the main model, on their own version of a Gotham rooftop, complete with grotesques. As a henchman, it is important to keep your upline manager informed about potential risks to the organisation.

An exclusive depiction of the Joker accompanied 76139 1989 Batmobile and another unique minifigure appears here, wearing the character's mime attire.

The seat comprises hinges and slopes to create its bucket shape while the surrounding control consoles feature numerous stickers. I like that the wall-hanging paradigm from LEGO Art is making its way to other display products wherever suitable, too. There is extremely detailed torso printing, and the bat emblem is printed on the combined cape and cowl unit, which appears to be made of a softer rubber like material. And since the cape and emblem are formed into the cowl, and the torso has no emblem at all, it's not like you can just swap the cape/cowl for a standard pair.

I am disappointed that the one feature that the Batwing demonstrates in the film – snagging scissors used to cut loose the Joker’s balloons – do not seem to be present. Just because a screw or nail has a head that's wide enough to not be able to fit through the top of the keyhole slot doesn't mean it can't do so at the bottom where there's more room. So really you're only looking at an Iron Man Helmet (which doesn't have great reviews) and a Hulkbuster.

Weapons and the cockpit canopy are the final sections to be constructed, along with display stands for the Batwing and the associated minifigures. Burton’s Batman certainly drew on that darkness, but we were a little concerned about Michael Keaton in the role. If you skip all technic pins while building it, then you'll probably run into trouble too, but that is obvious, isn't it. Seriously, I live in a country where lawnmower instructions have to tell you not to pick it up and use it for a hedge trimmer. They sometimes take advantage of parts being hidden to release them in new colors that otherwise would not be available.

Of course, the source material determines the building experience to some degree and the Batwing evidently necessitated fewer elaborate techniques than the Batmobile. A view towards the right hand/front end fuselage, showing upper and lower reaching brackets, spanning 2 studs thick: just perfect for attaching some future plates. Their shape appears quite accurate from certain angles but these two prongs should narrow to a point.